Ep 8. The Black Knights

In episode 8 of Code Geass season 1, "The Black Knights," we see Lelouch's plan to create a resistance group take shape. As the episode begins, we learn that Lelouch is taking advantage of his school's summer festival to recruit members for his group. He uses his newly acquired power of Geass to exert his will and manipulate people into joining him, even convincing his childhood friend Kallen to be a part of his movement.

As the group begins to take shape, they are confronted by a group of rude and abusive Britannian soldiers who terrorize the festival-goers. Lelouch and his group, now calling themselves "The Black Knights," take on the soldiers and put a stop to the violence. This leads to a confrontation with an actual member of the Britannian royal family, Prince Clovis, who orders the soldiers to stand down. Lelouch uses this opportunity to show off the power of the Black Knights and make a bold declaration of independence from Britannia.

The episode showcases Lelouch's cunning nature in recruiting members and creating a powerful resistance group. It also highlights the brutality of the Britannian forces, demonstrating the urgency and need for the Black Knights to rise up and fight back. Prince Clovis, who has been portrayed as a villain up until this point, shows a moment of compassion towards the end of the episode, hinting at a possible redemption arc in the future.

Overall, "The Black Knights" is a pivotal episode in the first season of Code Geass, setting the stage for the rest of the series. It introduces important characters, establishes the stakes, and shows the complexity of the conflict between the Britannians and the resistance movement. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and provides important context for the rest of the story.